Ohlsson
VILNIUS — The Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson is in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius to show solidarity for, and take part in, the Baltic Pride gay parade “For Equality.”
Sweden has been a harsh critic of Lithuania’s stance against its sexual minorities and the blocking of their rallies. Ohlsson sat down with Baltic Reports to discuss how Sweden sees Lithuania and the new member state’s role in the European Union.
Baltic Reports: What has been your impressions in meetings so far?
Birgitta Ohlsson: We have been meeting with politicians and discussing normal European affairs…We are very happy that the court took this decision. Its not only important for Lithuania itself and the LGBT activists, but its also very important for European values.
BR: Is Lithuania integrating well politically into the European system?
Ohlsson: In most places they are definitely, definitely. I mean we can have differing opinions in specific issues, but I think when you are true friends, you can always be frank friends and you can have an open dialog and I think thats very important. This is the third time I’m visiting Lithuania during the last three months, so I really care for this country and that’s why I’m so active in humans rights issues.
BR: How impressed is Sweden with Lithuania in its participation in the European Union?
Ohlsson: We are very impressed. Like all of the Baltic countries and so-called ‘new members’ of the European Union, they have been integrating, I think they have been integrating great in most spheres actually and not least how we got together with the Baltic Sea strategy. That’s so important for us when it comes to climate issues, when it comes to transport issues, when it comes to getting more exchange and its good for us to try to create a kind of Baltic spirit in many areas. We need to defend our region of Europe more.
BR: Has has the anti-gay movement affected Lithuania’s image in Sweden?
Ohlsson: I guess so. In some aspects yes because it has been debated a lot. It has been in the media a lot and that’s why I think the decision from the court was a great decision for Lithuania because I think a lot of Swedish people come as tourists and really love this country with its great culture and the great history that goes way back. I think that we expect and would like Lithuania to continue to be a modern country in Europe, so thats why I think that court decision was great. Because, sometimes it could take some time with tolerance issues when it comes to deepening society and that’s why we need dialogue and debate and we need to meet each other. This will also create a more tolerant society and lead to more discussions here.
BR: Will the anti-gay movement deter Swedish tourists and business people from dealing with Lithuanians?
Ohlsson: I hope not. If the Lithuanian government will help to continue working with issues concerning freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and to really acknowledge that gay rights and LGBT rights are humans rights. If they take a decision to go in the right direction, then that could be very positive.
